Pereira: Foxes Gave Me Confidence
- Ricardo Pereira speaks exclusively to LCFC TV after agreeing to join the Foxes
- Pereira described himself as a ‘fast player that likes to attack and defend’
- His aim is to help the Club achieve their targets
Pereira, 24, finalised personal terms with the Foxes on Saturday and will link up with his new team-mates upon the conclusion of Portugal’s involvement in next month’s FIFA World Cup.
City’s recent success and the opportunity to play in one of the best leagues in the world made for an easy decision, says the defender.
“I feel very happy to be here, for the confidence that the Club gave me,” Pereira told LCFC TV in an exclusive interview. “I hope to do my best and help the team.
“It is a big Club that were champions two years ago. I’m going to the Premier League with a coach I know, that’s what brought me here.
“I’m here to support and help the team and do my best for the Club to achieve its goals. I’m here for that.”
The Blue Army were given an insight into his playing style during his first interview with the Club – his attributes point to him being an exciting watch from the King Power Stadium stands.
“I’m a fast player that likes to attack and defend,” said Pereira, who has agreed a five-year-deal with the Foxes.
Ricardo Pereira Agrees Foxes Switch
Ricardo Pereira talks to LCFC TV after agreeing a transfer from Portuguese champions FC Porto to King Power Stadium...
“I try to do my best all the time in the games and training. I will give my best and help the team.”
Pereira will be reunited with manager Claude Puel having played under his stewardship at French Ligue 1 outfit Nice in 2015/16.
He continued: “He gave me confidence when I was in Nice. He was the coach that brought me to Nice when I wasn’t playing in Portugal. It was very important for him to be here.
“He spoke to me about the Club, about the championship, about the opportunity for me and I have the characteristics to succeed here.”
For now, Pereira’s focus lies firmly on helping Portugal succeed at the World Cup having being named in the 23-man squad alongside Adrien Silva on Thursday.
On his World Cup selection, he added: “It’s very good. I wasn’t expecting but it’s good after a season that we were champions. The World Cup is a dream come true.
“The atmosphere, the spectacle of all the people around the world watching. Kids, like me, saying ‘maybe one day it’s my dream to be there.’ I hope it’s going to be a good memory in the future and I enjoy.”